There are many ways that energy is wasted in an automobile, including braking, mechanical friction, aerodynamic drag, and more. Audi, which is just now launching its first-ever plug-in hybrid, the A3 e-tron, and which continues development of its all-electric R8 e-tron supercar, seems hell-bent on plugging the energy drains wherever it finds them. According to a report in the U.K.’s Auto Express, the automaker has now turned its attention to the suspension.

Yes, the suspension. According to the report, Audi R&D chief Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg (pictured above), opened up about the company’s work on an innovative “generator suspension” that could eventually make it into production. “What people don’t realize is that dampers get very hot,” he said. “When working hard over a bumpy road, the dampers are perhaps 100 to 125 degrees. This energy is wasted as heat into the atmosphere. So, we will replace the suspension with a generator.”

The report pontificates the possibility of using a rotating generator within each damper that could be spun during compression and rebound, with captured electrical energy directed to batteries for storage. It could then provide power for a hybrid vehicle’s drive system, or a car’s electrical accessories. Dr. Hackenberg also offered thoughts about how such a system could benefit performance cars—now we’re talking—saying, “Because we can send energy back into the damper, you will have an independently variable suspension. This can [mitigate body] roll.”

We find this idea intriguing at the very least, and wonder just how much energy such a system could reclaim, how many miles (or yards) could be added to a hybrid or electric car’s range, and how such a system would effect ride and handling. Rest assured, we’ll be pestering Dr. Hackenburg about the system the next time we have a chance to chat.